cover image Living a Purpose-Full Life: What Happens When You Say Yes to God

Living a Purpose-Full Life: What Happens When You Say Yes to God

Jan Johnson. Waterbrook Press, $16.99 (240pp) ISBN 978-1-57856-048-6

Believing that purpose comes from what he sees as our primary reason for living--to know and love God--Johnson asks the reader to look beyond social roles and career choices, and that we should acknowledge our passions and gifts as responses to God's designs for us. Johnson notes, ""What makes a job the `Lord's work' is the purpose and heart of the person doing it, not the task itself."" Discovering our purpose is a part of our spiritual journey and not simply a task to be fulfilled, and it is a lifelong process, the author says. ""As God leads us into a life of greater trust, integrity, and selflessness, doors will open and we'll be equipped for tasks that once scared us."" We gain courage to search for God's will and desires as we learn that our purposes and His will are united. According to Johnson, a strong prayer life, deep Bible reading and participation in a close religious community are the tools that help us realize our purpose in life. Johnson closes each chapter with a section of questions to contemplate, an experiment in listening prayer and some Bible passages to ponder. While this is an excellent book for study groups, individuals will also benefit from its valuable lessons. (Feb.)